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A presentation on Zichy by the art historian Rita Budai filled the centre?s Petőfi Library.
Zichy first worked for the Russian royals from 1847 until 1874. His service was interrupted for a few years while working in Paris and in Hungary, but, following his return, he remained in Russia until his death in 1906. He died in Saint Petersburg but his remains were brought back to Hungary and interred in Budapest?s Kerepesi Cemetery.
Budai said Zichy?s return to the Russia after producing radical revolutionary paintings in Paris was a curiosity, but the reasons may be revealed in the artist?s correspondence, which is only now being examined.
The centre has opened an exhibition of Zichy?s illustrations for Imre Madách?s The Tragedy of Man, a dramatic poem, for ?Zichy Days?.
National Human Resources Ministry Deputy State Secretary for Culture Judit Hammerstein said at the opening that Zichy bridged the cultures of Hungary and Russia today, too, just as he did during his time in Saint Petersburg.
Hammerstein discussed potential cooperation with the heads of Moscow?s Vahtangov Theatre after a performance of Chekhov?s Uncle Vanya on Sunday evening. The theatre?s management said they would gladly take part in Hungarian theatre festivals, such as the annual theatre convention in Pécs, and they also mentioned the possibility of inviting Hungarian productions to theatre festivals in Moscow.
Source: Hungarian News Agency (MTI)
